Top 10 Active Adventures for 2019

Does the thought of lying on a beach with a book bore you? If you’d rather recharge your batteries by getting your blood racing, then check out this selection of our favourite activity holidays for 2019. From city cycling to traditional hunter-gathering, from white-water rafting to mountain trekking, there should be something on this list for all you intrepid adventurers out there.

Mountain treks and whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka

Enjoy trekking, cyling, and white-water rafting on an action-packed adventure around Sri Lanka, Lonely Planet’s top country for travel in 2019. Climb Adam’s Peak in the early hours in time for sunrise at the top, take part in a white-water rafting session on the Kelani River, spot elephants and sloth bears in Wasgamuwa National Park, and cycle the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

See South China by bike & kayak

Discover a world of natural wonder and big city glamour. Hike through the Longji Valley and its rice terraces and admire their majestic beauty, cycle amongst the dramatic karst-dotted countryside of Yangshuo and the abandoned towers of Kaiping, and paddle your kayak along Hong Kong’s tranquil coast.

Australia Expedition: Traditional hunting and gathering

East Arnhem Land lies in the farthest reaches of remote Northern Australia. This vast and rugged wilderness is where the Yolngu people have lived for millennia. Even today you’ll still find clans fishing, sailing and enjoying the homeland of their ancestors. Discover this beautiful stretch of traditional land, as you are welcomed by the Yolngu people and learn their traditional methods of hunting, fishing and gathering.

Explore the valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey

Experience Turkey from a different perspective as you abandon well-worn routes in favour of its unexplored terrain, delving deep into Turkey’s historical heart. Hike and cycle the valleys of Cappadocia, famous for its rock formations called ‘fairy chimneys’. Take a kayak trip on crystal clear waters over a sunken city near Kekova. Take up the challenge and be amazed by all that this active travel adventure has to offer.

Trek the famous Kokoda Track

Surrounded by dense greenery, glistening rivers and incredible views, the historical 96 km Kokoda Trail is one of the world’s most impressive and demanding walks. Undertake seven days of steamy trekking through the dense Papua New Guinea heat. Meet friendly locals along the way and test your personal stamina as you wind your way through this rugged, mountainous landscape.

Nature rafting & husky walking in Wild Finland

Discover the remarkable wildlife of far Eastern Finland, watching eagerly from a hide for the arrival of Brown bears. Experience the Finnish wilderness of Oulanka National Park, with its white-water rivers, spruce forest and scotch pine. Walk with huskies along the Oulanka Canyon Trail. Embark on a gentle rafting excursion along the River Kitka and soak up the tranquillity of nature on this Scandinavian adventure.

Cycle Colombia's serene highlands

Cycle and sweat through steamy jungle scenery, coffee plantations and colonial towns nestled in verdant hills on this bicycle tour of Colombia's famed coffee region. Find out how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation, join a guided hike through the Cocora Valley, home to hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees, and try your hand at tejo, a traditional Colombian throwing sport in which the targets are filled with gunpowder.

Hike, bike & raft in fairytale Slovenia

Mountain bike through mountain pastures to outstanding lookouts in Triglav National Park and raft over the rugged rapids, gates and pools of the Sava Dolinka River. With its emerald-green lake, tumbling waterfalls and deep green forest alongside the Julian Alps, Bohinj is a gorgeous active paradise and ideal base for your Slovenia adventure.

Explore the technicolour Cinque Terre

When entering this region of Italy, things can seem a little surreal. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the sea is brighter than the sky and the sun rains down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured. Welcome to the Cinque Terre! Visitors will discover medieval churches and castles, dazzling cliff-side houses, and dramatic coastlines as they explore the area on foot, by bike, and by kayak.

Wilderness walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Discover a stunning country with beautiful scenery and a fascinating culture. Bosnia & Herzegovina has swathes of rugged wilderness, including the Sutjeska National Park, which boasts one of Europe’s last primeval forests, as well as the mighty Durmitor Mountains. Travellers will enjoy 9 days of walking, including an ascent of Bosnia's highest peak, Maglic Mountain (2,386m), passing hidden waterfalls and glacial lakes.